GFA President Kurt Okraku has welcomed the Black Princesses’ emphatic 3-1 victory over South Korea at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, describing the result as a major boost to the team’s confidence ahead of their final group-stage game against France.
Ghana bounced back strongly from their disappointing 3-0 defeat to Ecuador in their opening Group Stage fixture, producing a much-improved performance at the 11,600-capacity Sosnowiec Arena.
Head coach Charles Sampson made two changes to his starting lineup, with goalkeeper Precious Akanguwe replacing Najat Salma, while Salma Naazo came in for defender Precious Asante.
The Black Princesses dominated much of the first half and created several opportunities but were unable to find the breakthrough. Despite registering 11 attempts in the opening 45 minutes, Ghana went into the interval level at 0-0.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 53rd minute when Sarah Nyarko calmly finished after a quick combination between captain Priscilla Mensah and Agnes Owusu.
Ghana doubled their advantage just two minutes later when Ivy Owusu Ansah produced a spectacular long-range strike that flew into the top-right corner, leaving South Korean goalkeeper Kim Chaebeen with no chance.
Ruth Amponsah then added Ghana’s third in the 84th minute to put the Black Princesses firmly in control, although South Korea managed to pull one goal back before the final whistle.
The victory ended Ghana’s seven-match winless run in the competition and significantly improved their prospects of progressing from the group.
Reflecting on the result, GFA President Kurt Okraku praised the team’s performance and believes the convincing victory will provide the players with the confidence required for their decisive final group game.
“I’m not surprised they won and they won convincingly. I believe this will give them the needed energy [and] the needed confidence going into the third group game, and we are all looking forward to another good performance.”
Okraku also revealed that the mood within the camp is positive, with the players motivated by their impressive response following the opening-day setback.
“To be honest the girls are happy. Everything is on course. They are extremely motivated. For me, what I call natural motivation is very evident in whatever they are doing [and] it is something that excites me.”
Ghana will now turn their attention to France, with the two sides set to meet on September 12 in the Black Princesses’ final Group Stage encounter.
